ABOUT CASA
Calgary Apollo Softball Association (CASA) is an 2SLGBTQ+ non-profit softball organization welcoming any skill level, dedicated to providing a fun, safe, inclusive, and social league for all.
Players register as individuals or with a "buddy" in February each year. Teams are formed by a draft hosted by the CASA Board. Every player who joins CASA is drafted by a team captain and guaranteed to play. This allows for greater inclusion, socialization, and accommodations of new players each year! The league runs on Wednesday evenings, May to September, throughout Calgary.
If you have any questions about CASA check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or please contact us.
COMMUNITY
The CASA League was created to foster a safe environment to meet people, create new friendships, and support our 2SLGBTQ+ community.
SUPPORT
Our league looks to bring together individuals, businesses and organizations who support our community, league, and players.
TEAM VALUES
We aim to instill team values in our league, our captains, and our players. We believe that building relationships and having fun are paramount at CASA.
Meet the Board
CASA – Strengthening Our Community Together
At CASA, we are dedicated to cultivating a 'just culture' – a system where we learn from mistakes and improve, rather than simply blame. We strive to create a psychologically safe environment where every player is treated with care, compassion, respect, and dignity. We believe in open communication, where discussing personal concerns or worries is not only safe but encouraged. Maintaining a fair, respectful, and consistent approach is fundamental to our league. Our focus is not only on individual accountability but also on identifying and addressing any systemic issues that may contribute to these behaviors.
We invite you to be a part of positive change. If anyone witnesses or experiences any instances of misconduct, inappropriate behavior, unsportsmanlike language or actions, including but not limited to verbal abuse, violence, threats (physical, emotional, mental, and other), sexual advances, or harassment, regardless of the individual involved, including captains or board members, we urge you to report it. Your voice matters. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality, with access to reports limited to designated board members. All reports will be reviewed by the board and follow our bylaws to ensure a fair and thorough process, and a response will be sent after. We take every report seriously and are committed to responding appropriately to address your concerns and promote positive improvements within our league. Please use the form below to submit your report and contribute to building a stronger, safer, and more respectful CASA community, or speak to a board member directly.
The CASA Story
From 1992-2015, Apollo, Friends in Sport hosted drop-in slo-pitch every Friday evening for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-Spirit (2SLGBTQ+) community, called Q's on First. The last year of drop-in slo-pitch took place at the Renfrew Community Association field. Logan Chinski moved to Calgary in 2016. Previously he had been living in Vancouver, where he had played for three seasons with the 2SLGBTQ+ league there. He valued the community, social outlet, and the safe space to play, that the league provided individuals. In the spring of 2017, Logan approached Tom Sloan about the history of slo-pitch in the city and how to get things started for those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community that wanted to play. Eventually, Troy Gibson joined Logan and Tom to help stage a slo-pitch tournament in June of 2017.
The tournament was held at the Crescent Heights diamonds with three teams. A second tournament was held that same year during Calgary Pride, called the Pride Slam, where players signed up as individuals and were placed onto have four teams. After the first Pride Slam, a number of people had come forward to help put together these first steps that would lead to CASA. The first board of CASA officially was put in place on February 7, 2018. The first members of the board included; Logan Chinski; Tyler Pentland; Troy Gibson, Tom Sloan; Shawn Hoffart and Blake Spence.
CASA has experienced significant growth and evolution since its first season in 2018.
Following that inaugural year, 2019 saw the league expand to 10 teams and 150 players competing in a 16-week season. The trajectory continued upward into 2020, with 180 players registered for 12 teams, before the season was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A pivotal moment came in 2021 when CASA transitioned to an independent league, separating from CSSC. This independence fueled further expansion, leading to 16 teams and over 300 players by 2025, with plans for continued growth on the horizon.
Beyond the diamond, CASA has become a vibrant force in the Calgary community. We host major events such as the annual CASA Pride Slam during Calgary Pride and Mx CASA in June—a vital fundraiser supporting a community non-profit. CASA proudly participates in the Calgary Pride Parade every year. The founding group’s original vision is still at the heart of everything we do: building community, giving back to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and offering a safe, inclusive space to connect with new people and enjoy the sport of slo-pitch.